Flanged material and standing seam clamp

ABSTRACT

A clamping assembly for attaching loads to various kinds of flanged seams, the assembly comprising a generally U-shaped clamp body, at least one clamping hammer disposed interior of the clamp body, the clamping hammer is secured to the clamp body along the longitudinal axis of the clamp body, at least one adjustment screw extending through the clamp body and adapted to selectively impinge against the clamping hammer and cause it to pivot about its axis or otherwise move inwardly within the clamp body, the adjustment screw extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of the clamping hammer, at least one locking screw adapted to selectively impinge against the clamping hammer to prevent pivoting of the same may be optionally provided whereby a standing seam received within the clamp body may be tightly grasped between the clamp body and the clamping hammer under action of the adjustment screw.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part of International applicationNo. PCT/US2012/039283, filed on May 24, 2012 and claiming priority onU.S. Ser. No. 13/118,308, filed on May 27, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No.8,528,888 having an issue date of Sep. 10, 2013.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is a clamp assembly for attaching loads to various kindsof flanged seams including, but not limited to, standing seam roofing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Standing seams are often used to interconnect metal panels to form theroof of a building or other structure. The seam is created by bendingand profiling together adjacent side edges of two metal sheets to forman upwardly extending portion that interlocks the sheets as it extendsthe width or length of the roof surface. The head or uppermost portionof the seam may be formed in a variety of shapes depending upon themanner in which the sheets are profiled together. For example, the headof a standing seam may be L-shaped, T-shaped, rounded, doubled over orhave some other profile correlating to the nature of end use.

It is desirable to attach a structure to a standing seam, especially inthe case of roofing. Rooftops are obvious locations for mounting ofsolar panel arrays, walkways, plumbing, wiring or other ancillarystructures including but not limited to snow catchers, ice dams, etc.

When attaching a structure to standing seam, drilling or penetration ofthe seam is avoided because doing so can affect the life of the roof.Clamp assemblies that do not penetrate a standing seam are known;however, these devices use bolts that are tightened directly against theseam which can damage the seam and ultimately affect the integrity ofthe roof. Prior art clamping assemblies also produce an uneven clampingpressure that is not evenly distributed against the seam eventuallyleading to clamp or roof failure. Many other roofs clamps are known, butin each of these cases the device is complicated and difficult toinstall quickly.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a clamping assembly comprising a generallyU-shaped clamp body for receiving a standing seam, an I-beam or similarstructure, either a pair of cooperating clamping hammers or a singleclamping hammer are disposed interior of the clamp body, the clampinghammers are hingedly secured to the clamp body along a longitudinal axisof the body and each is provided with at least one adjustment screwadapted to movably extend through the clamp body and selectively impingeagainst the hammer and cause it to pivot about its axis to open andclose the clamp, the adjustment screw being disposed transverse to thelongitudinal axis of the clamping hammer, each clamping hammer is alsoprovided with a typical or optional one locking screw that movablyextends through the clamp body to selectively impinge against the hammerand prevent pivoting whereby a standing seam or other structure receivedwithin the clamp body may be tightly grasped between the pair ofcooperating hammers (or single hammer) to clamp and lock it into place.

The present invention is also directed to a clamping assembly comprisinga generally U-shaped clamp body comprising two interconnected bodymembers for receiving a standing seam, an I-beam or similar structure,either a pair of cooperating clamping hammers or a single clampinghammer are disposed interior of the clamp body, the clamping hammers arehingedly secured to the clamp body along a longitudinal axis of the bodyand each is provided with at least one adjustment screw adapted tomovably extend through the clamp body and selectively impinge againstthe hammer and cause it to pivot about its axis to open and close theclamp, the adjustment screw being disposed transverse to thelongitudinal axis of the clamping hammer, each clamping hammer is alsoprovided with at least one locking screw that movably extends throughthe clamp body to selectively impinge against the hammer and preventpivoting whereby a standing seam or other structure received within theclamp body may be tightly grasped between the pair of cooperatinghammers (or single hammer) to clamp and lock it into place.

The present invention is also directed to a clamping assembly comprisinga generally U-shaped clamp body for receiving a standing seam, an I-beamor similar structure, either a pair of cooperating clamping hammers or asingle clamping hammer are disposed interior of the clamp body, theclamping hammers are hingedly secured to bottom of the clamp body andeach is provided with at least one adjustment screw adapted to movablyextend through the clamp body and selectively impinge against the hammerand cause it to pivot upwardly about its axis to open and close theclamp, the adjustment screw being disposed transverse to thelongitudinal axis of the clamping hammer, each clamping hammer may alsoprovided with at least one locking screw that movably extends throughthe clamp body to selectively impinge against the hammer and preventpivoting whereby a standing seam or other structure received within theclamp body may be tightly grasped between the pair of cooperatinghammers (or single hammer) to clamp and lock it into place.

The present invention is also directed to clamping assembly comprising agenerally U-shaped clamp body for receiving a standing seam, an I-beamor similar structure, either a pair of cooperating clamping hammers or asingle clamping hammer that generally I-shaped in cross section anddisposed interior of the clamp body within a longitudinal slot, theclamping hammers are fitted within the clamp body along a longitudinalaxis of the body and each is provided with at least one adjustment screwadapted to movably extend through the clamp body and selectively impingeagainst one side of the hammer to cause it shift laterally open andclose the clamp, the adjustment screw being disposed transverse to thelongitudinal axis of the clamping hammer, each clamping hammer is alsoprovided with an increased clamping surface area to provide contactagainst a seam to be clamped whereby a standing seam or other structurereceived within the clamp body may be tightly grasped between the pairof cooperating hammers (or single hammer) to clamp and lock it intoplace.

The present invention is also directed to a clamping assembly comprisinga generally U-shaped clamp body for receiving a standing seam, an I-beamor similar structure, either a pair of cooperating clamping hammers or asingle clamping hammer are disposed interior of the clamp body, theclamping hammers comprise a block fitted with a washer and rivot securedto the clamp body along a longitudinal axis of the body and each isprovided with at least one adjustment screw fixed at one end thereof tothe washer and rivot and adapted to movably extend through the clampbody and selectively impinge against the block to cause it to travelinwardly within the clamp to clamp a standing seam, the adjustment screwbeing disposed transverse to the longitudinal axis of the clampingblock. In the alternative, the washer and rivot may be replaced with afree spinning washer and nut to move the clamping block.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a typical overlap type standingseam that may be clamped by the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the clamp assembly according to thepresent invention with portions broken away;

FIG. 3 is perspective view of the clamp shown in FIG. 2 when clampingstanding seam with portions of the clamp shown in broken lines;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 5-5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of theclamp assembly shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is cross sectional view of the clamp shown in FIG. 4 whenclamping a double lock type standing seam;

FIG. 8 is cross-sectional view of the clamp shown in FIG. 4 whenclamping a trapezoid double lock type standing seam;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an alternative embodiment ofthe clamp shown in FIG. 4 when clamping an angled seam;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an alternative embodiment ofthe clamp shown in FIG. 4 when clamping a seam having a round head;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an alternative embodiment ofthe clamp shown in FIG. 4 when clamping an off-set seam;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing an alternative embodiment ofthe clamp according to the present invention with a pair of protectivegaskets;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing an alternative embodiment ofone clamp according to the present invention having an isolation gasketor membrane to protect a roof or other structure from vibration, soundor the like or otherwise increase surface tension;

FIG. 14A is an exploded cross-sectional view showing an alternativeembodiment of the clamp according to the present invention.

FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view of the clamp shown in FIG. 14A whenassembled and secured to a standing seam;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing an alternative embodiment ofthe clamp shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B;

FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view showing an alternative embodiment ofthe clamp shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B;

FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view showing an alternative embodiment ofthe clamp shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B;

FIG. 17A is a cross-sectional view showing an alternative embodiment ofthe clamp according to the present invention and prior to securing to astanding seam;

FIG. 17B is a cross-sectional view showing an alternative embodiment ofthe clamp according to the present invention when securing to a standingseam;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing another alternative embodimentof the clamp according to the present invention when securing to astanding seam;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing an alternative embodiment ofthe clamp according to the present invention prior to securing to anL-shaped standing seam;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing an alternative embodiment ofthe clamp according to the present invention when secured to an L-shapedstanding seam;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing an alternative embodiment ofthe clamp according to the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing an alternative embodiment ofthe clamp shown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing an alternative embodiment ofthe clamp shown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing an alternative embodiment ofthe clamp shown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing an alternative embodiment ofthe clamp shown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view showing an alternative embodiment ofthe clamp according to the present invention;

FIG. 27A is a cross-sectional view showing an alternative embodiment ofthe clamp shown in FIG. 26;

FIG. 27B is a cross-sectional view showing an alternative embodiment ofthe clamp shown in FIG. 26;

FIG. 28A is a cross-sectional view showing an alternative embodiment ofthe clamp according to the present invention prior to clamping;

FIG. 28B is a cross-sectional view showing the clamp in FIG. 23A when ina clamping position;

FIG. 29A is a cross-sectional view showing an alternative embodiment ofthe clamp according to the present invention;

FIG. 29B is a cross-sectional view showing an alternative embodiment ofthe clamp shown in FIG. 29A;

FIG. 30 is an end view showing a tool according to the present inventionfor use when assembling a clamp to a standing seam;

FIG. 31 is a top view of FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view showing an alternative embodiment of aclamp according to the present invention;

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view showing the tool in FIGS. 30 and 31fitted over a standing seam to be clamped;

FIG. 34A is a cross-sectional view showing the tool shown in FIGS. 30and 31 in use with the clamp shown in FIG. 32;

FIG. 34B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 34 after the tool has beenremoved and the clamp is secured against a standing seam;

FIG. 35 is an exploded cross-sectional view of an alternative embodimentaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of a clamp fitted with the clampingstructure shown in FIG. 35 and prior to being secured to a standingseam;

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp shown in FIG. 36 whenclamped to a standing seam;

FIG. 38 is an alternative embodiment of the clamp shown in FIG. 36; and

FIG. 39 is a cross sectional view showing another embodiment of theclamp according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a standard overlap-type standing seam SS comprising metalsheets 2 and 4 interconnected at upstanding portion 6 and head portion8. The standing seam SS is formed by bending or profiling togetheradjacent edges of sheets 2 and 4 to interlock the edges at head portion8 in a known manner. The present invention is applicable for clampingother standing seams as will be explained further below.

Referring to FIGS. 2 through 5, the clamp assembly CA of the presentinvention is shown in greater detail. As best seen in FIG. 2, the clampassembly CA comprises a generally U-shaped clamp body 10, formed frommetal such as extruded aluminum or a high density plastic or othermaterial, and having a top 12 and sides 14 that define an interiorregion 16 for receiving a standing seam. The clamp body 10 may be ofvariable length and thickness depending upon the end use of the clampand the strength requirements necessary for that particular use.

Adjustment screws 18 are provided along both sides 14 of the clamp body.The apertures for each of the adjustment screws 18 are disposed adjacentthe bottom edge of each side 14 and each extends through the sides 14 sosuch that the adjustment screw may be selectively moved into and out ofinterior region 16 of the clamp body.

Locking screws 20 may be provided along both sides 14 of the clamp body.The apertures for each of the locking screws 20 are disposed adjacentthe top edge of each side 14 and each extends through the sides 14 sothat it can be selectively moved into and out of the interior region 16of the clamp body to lock the clamp onto a seam as will be furtherexplained below. The number of locking screws 20 and adjustment screws18 provided on the clamp is variable. In general, the clamp body 10 willhave a pair of adjustment screws on each of side of the clamp, the pairsaligned as mirror images and at least one locking screw per side.

A threaded aperture 22 is provided within the top 12 of the clamp body10 to receive a threaded bolt (not shown) that may be used to attach asolar panel, wiring or other structure to the clamp body. Similarly, andas best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a threaded aperture A may be provided ineither or both of the sides 14 of the clamp body to receive a threadedbolt (not shown) to attach a solar panel, wiring, or some otherstructure to the clamp body.

Turning to FIGS. 3 through 5, additional features of the clamp assemblyCA are shown together with operation of the clamp. The interior region16 comprises side walls 24 and top wall 26. The width and height ofinterior region 16 may be varied depending upon the size of the standingseam to be clamped.

A pair of movable clamping jaws or hammers 28 are provided withininterior region 16 of the clamp body 10 for clamping against a seam. Asbest shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the clamping hammers are disposed as mirrorimages of each other and in one embodiment, are generally L-shaped toaccommodate the head portion of a conventional folded seam as will befurther explained below. The hammers 28 extend the length of the clampbody 10 from a first end to a second end and are pivotally securedwithin the clamp body at hinge member 30. The hammers may be constructedfrom metal, such as extruded aluminum, or from a high density plastic orother material suitable to the use of the clamp.

Hinge member 30 comprises a cylindrical member 32, provided at the topof the clamping hammer 28 and extending the length of the hammer, and acooperating groove 34 provided within the clamp body, the groove 34sized to receive the cylindrical member 32 such that hammer 28 isadapted to freely pivot about the longitudinal axis of hinge member 30.During assembly of the clamp, a series of inwardly extending detents(not shown) may be provided at each end of the groove 34 to retain theclamping hammer 28 within the groove 34.

As best shown in FIG. 4, the adjustment screws 18 are aligned transverseto the longitudinal axis of the clamping hammers 28. Selectively turningthe adjustment screw 18 will cause it to move inwardly or outwardly andconsequently, into and out of engagement with a respective clampinghammer 28. When a standing seam SS is disposed interior of clamp body 10and the adjustment screws 18 associated with the clamping hammers 28 areturned inwardly, the hammers are likewise caused to pivot inwardly abouthinge 30 and engage against the upstanding portion 6 of a seam SS. TheL-shape of the clamping hammers 28 allow the head portion 8 of the seamto be received between the hammers without damaging the head. Thepresent invention generates a clamping pressure against the seam that iscontinuous and evenly distributed along the entire length of the clampassembly. By spreading the load along the length of the clamp, damage tothe seam is avoided and failure of the clamp is greatly reduced.

As best shown in FIG. 5, after the seam SS is engaged by the clampinghammers, the locking screws 20 associated with each of the hammers aretightened which causes the screw to contact cylindrical member 32 andprevent pivoting of hinge 30 which is then in a locked position. As isapparent, to remove the assembly from a seam, the adjustment and lockingscrews are loosened which causes the hammers to pivot out of engagementthereby allowing the clamp to be separated from the seam.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present inventionwhereby the inwardly facing surfaces of the clamping hammers 28 havesecured to the surfaces an elastomeric coating (or a sheet) of materialto provide an isolation gasket, membrane or filler material 36 forpurposes of, for example, increased friction, dampening vibration orproviding insulation to the clamped seam or otherwise function as aspacer.

FIG. 7 illustrates the clamp assembly of the present invention whenclamped to a double lock standing seam. In this embodiment, the clampinghammers are angled inwardly to a greater degree than would be the casewith an overlap type standing seam. The invention is adapted toaccommodate different kinds of seams having varying shapes and headsizes.

FIG. 8 illustrates the clamp assembly of the present invention whenclamping to a trapezoid double lock type standing seam.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention.The clamping hammer 28 noted earlier are interchanged in this embodimentto adapt the clamp assembly CA to clamp an angled seam AS. In thisembodiment, one of the two clamping hammers in FIGS. 2 through 5 isreplaced with an angled seam clamping hammer 38. The angled seamclamping hammer 38 is shown to have a stepped configuration toaccommodate the head portion 8 of the angled seam AS which extendstransverse to the longitudinal axis of the seam.

FIG. 10 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention. Bothclamping hammers in this embodiment are changed from that shown in theprevious embodiments so as to adapt the clamp assembly CA for clamping aseam having a round head 8. The round head clamping hammers 42 includean abutment region 40 that extends inwardly and includes a downwardlysloping surface 44 for engaging the lower regions of the rounded head 8and jaw portions 46 for engaging the upstanding portion of the seam.

FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. Bothclamping hammers in this embodiment are changed from that shown in theprevious embodiments so as to adapt the clamp assembly CA for clamping aseam having an offset head 8. The offset head clamping hammers 48 and 50have different thicknesses and heights. Offset head clamping hammer 50has a greater height than offset head clamping hammer 48 and furtherincludes a jaw portion 52. Offset head clamping hammer 48 includes athickened region or abutment 54 so that when the hammers are urgedagainst the offset head 8, it is held securely between both hammers andthe top 12 of the clamp body is maintained parallel to the surface fromwhich the seam extends.

FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. In thisembodiment, the interior wall surfaces 58 of the clamp body 10 areprovided with parallel keyway tracks 60 extending the length of theclamp for selectively receiving a gasket or membrane 56 having a malekeyway portion 62 adapted to interfit and interlock the keyway track 60.A modified clamping hammer 64 is provided at the opposite side of thegasket or membrane 56. The modified clamping hammer 64 is shown toinclude a keyway track 66 for receiving a male keyway portion 68 ofgasket or membrane 70. An adjustment screw 18 (not shown) is provided tocause the modified clamping hammer 64 to move inwardly and clamp andinsulate (sound, vibration, etc.) a seam between the resilient gasket ormembrane 56 and 70.

FIG. 13 is an alternative embodiment of FIG. 12 wherein a clampinghammer 28 as shown in FIGS. 2 through 5 is used in place of the modifiedclamping hammer 64 to clamp the seam (not shown) between a gasket ormembrane 56 and the clamping hammer 28 by way of adjustment screws (notshown) and locking screws (not shown). As can be seen, the gasket ormembrane 56 is provided with a key member 62 that interlocks with theinterior wall 58 of U-shaped member 10 at female keyway 60.

Turning to FIG. 14A, a clamp assembly provided with a two piece clampbody is shown. This embodiment is well adapted for attachment torelatively larger standing seams where the clamping hammers are sized orotherwise shaped such that a one piece clamp body is impractical orotherwise not well suited for the application. The clamp assembly CA isshown for attachment to a standing seam SS that is T-shaped. As isapparent, this embodiment is adapted to be connected to a standing seamother than a T-shaped seam or to some other upstanding member such as ajoist, beam, etc. The clamp body 102 comprises a first portion 104 andsecond portion 106. Each of first portion 104 and second portion 106 maybe of variable width depending upon the dimension of the standing seamSS to be clamped.

Each of first portion 104 and second portion 106 is provided with aseparate one of a pair of movable jaws or hammers 108 that are shown tobe generally L-shaped. As is apparent, the shape of the hammer isvariable depending upon the specific application for the clamp. In thepresent embodiment, the lower portion of the hammer is increased in sizeso that it will effectively clamp against the underside of the T-shapedstanding seam as best shown in FIG. 14B. The hammers 108 extend thelength of the clamp portions 106 and 108 and are pivotally securedwithin the respective clamp portions at hinge member 30. As in theembodiments described earlier, hinge members 30 comprises a cylindricalmember 112 provided on each hammer that is adapted to axially rotatewithin a cooperating groove that extends within each of clamp portions106 and 108 and as shown in the figure. Adjustment screws 118 andlocking screws (not shown) as set forth in the earlier noted embodimentsare provided.

The top surface 116 of the first clamp portion 104 is provided with anaperture 120 having variable size that cooperates with a threadedaperture 122 provided in the top contact surface 124 of second clampportion 106. A bottom contact surface 130 is provided on first clampportion 104. Top and bottom contact surface will engage against eachother when the clamp is in an assembled position as will be furtherexplained below. An abutment 128 extends upwardly from second clampportions 106 and functions as a stop member for limiting the width ofthe clamp when assembled and as best shown in FIG. 14B. It is within thescope of the present invention to not provide an abutment. A connectingmember 126 shown in the figures to be a screw is provided and adapted tobe received within apertures 120 and 122 to interconnect the two clampportions and secure it to a standing seam as best shown in FIG. 14B. Asis apparent, a washer of varying diameter may be provided to accommodateinterconnection of the two clamp portions when a clamp having arelatively greater width is required.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B reduce the width of the clampbody 102 from that which would otherwise be necessary if the clamp bodywere constructed from a single unitary piece. Accordingly, the clampbody in this embodiment is adapted to interconnect T-shaped standingseams of variable width without the need to provide several clamp bodiesof varying widths. The first and second clamp portions may be machinedor cut to any desired length. The clamp portions and the hammers may beconstructed of any suitable material adapted to be shaped via extrusion,casting or injection molding.

Turning to FIG. 15, an alternative embodiment of the clamp shown inFIGS. 14A and 14B is shown. In this embodiment, the top contact surface116 and the bottom contact surface 130 are shown to be serrated orotherwise scoured or rendered not smooth. When the clamp is assembled,friction between the first clamp portion 104 and the second clampportion 106 is increased and any lateral movement of the clamp portionsrelative to each other is prevented. Other means to enhance connectionbetween the surfaces are within the scope of the present invention. Forexample, the top and bottom contact surface may be provided with acooperating set of teeth of varying width and depth depending upon theapplication of use. The cooperating set of teeth are adapted to meshtogether or otherwise interconnect so as to allow indexing of the clampwidth.

FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate a further modification of the clamp shownin FIGS. 14A and 14B. In this embodiment, a T-shaped groove 134 isprovided within the top surface 116 of the first portion 104 and extendslongitudinally along the length of the clamp portion. The connectingmember 118 and aperture 120 shown in the earlier embodiments are alsoprovided, but are not shown in these figures. A straight extensionmember 136 (FIG. 16A) or an angled extension member 138 (FIG. 16B) areshown to extend upwardly from the top surface 116 of the first clampportion 104. Each of the extension members 136 and 138 are provided witha T-shaped end portion 140 adapted or otherwise shaped to be receivedwithin the T-shaped groove as shown. The extension members may be usedas supports for securing supplementary structures to the clamp after ithas been secured to a standing seam. For example, a conduit or otherobject that needs to be run along the length of a roof. As is apparent,it is within the scope of the invention to vary the size and shape ofthe extension member depending upon the application required and toinclude one or more features of the embodiments noted above. It is alsowithin the scope of the present invention to provide the T-shaped slotwithin a separate block as opposed to within the clamp body portion 104.The block is then secured to the top of the clamp portion by screws orother connection means. This enables the T-shaped slot to be variedrelative to the clamp body. For example, it could be aligned transverseto the longitudinal axis of the clamp body.

FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate another embodiment of the present inventionwhere the location of the hinge members is reversed from that as shownin the previous embodiments together with an alteration of the hammerconfiguration. This embodiment expands the number of applications forwhich the clamp may be adapted and/or improves the ease-ability ofclamping to certain standing seams.

Turning to FIGS. 17A and 17B, the clamp body 102 is shown to include anupper longitudinal groove 114 as depicted in the earlier describedembodiments and a pair of lower longitudinal grooves 142 including apair of recess portion 141 that are mirror images of each other. As isapparent, it is within the scope of the present invention to provideonly lower longitudinal grooves if desired. Also, the clamp body 102 maybe modified to increase its width or height or otherwise be providedwith a greater mass so as to accommodate standing seams having aincreased height or greater load requirements. The reverse hammer 144 isshown to have a generally S-shaped configuration as opposed to thegenerally L-shaped configuration of the above noted embodiments. Eachreverse hammer 144 is provided with a horizontally extending cylindricalmember 112 similar to that described above with respect to the earlierembodiments and in addition, a head portion 146 for contacting against astanding seam to be clamped. A leg portion 148 extends between andinterconnects the cylindrical member to the head portion. As isapparent, it is within the scope of the present invention to provide thereverse hammer with a shape other than an S-shape depending upon theapplication of use.

As best shown in FIG. 17A, the recess portions 141 of the clamp body 102are adapted to receive the head portion 146 of each of the hammers 142so that a standing seam SS may be received within the interior of theclamp body prior to clamping. Turning to FIG. 17B, the device is shownclamping a seam whereby the adjustment screws 118 are turned inwardly tocause the head portion of each hammer to move inwardly and engageagainst a standing seam. Once the seam has been properly engaged, thelocking screws (not shown) are sufficiently turned so that the hingemember for each hammer is fixed in its position.

FIG. 18 discloses an embodiment where the clamping hammers adapted to besecured to a standing seam SS and where the sides of the seam are ofunequal height. In this embodiment, a standing seam SS has a first side150 of a first height and a second side 152 having a height great thanthat of the first side. Seam lips 154 are provided and cooperate to forma seam head. The sides 14 of the clamp body 102 provided with a heightthat corresponds to the respective sides of the seam. In addition, eachof the clamping hammers 28 are provided with a height that correspondsto the height of either the first side 150 or the second side 152 of theclamp. As can be seen; the adjustment screws 118 are positioned atdifferent clamp heights to correspond with the height of the respectiveclamping hammer.

FIGS. 19 and 20 disclose a further embodiment where the clamping hammershave an unequal height. In this embodiment the standing seam SS isL-shaped and the hammers are adapted to provide a uniform clamping forceagainst the seam. The shorter clamping hammer 156 is shown in thefigures to engage the seam just under the seam lip whereas the clampinghammer 158 having a greater length is shown to engage the seam adistance below that of clamping hammer 156. Clamping hammer 158 providesmore clearance when the clamping assembly is placed onto a seam to beclamped. This embodiment also allows for a more uniform clamping forceto be provided against the seam than would otherwise be the case if thehammers were the same length. In addition, two sets of grooves 114 areprovided within the clamp body 102. In this way, the clamp assembly CAis adapted to engage an L-shaped standing seam SS including a seam liporiented transverse to either side of the standing seam.

Turning to FIGS. 21 and 22 a gravity clamping hammer adapted to slideperpendicular toward a standing seam under action of the set screws andlock the clamp to a standing seam. When the set screws are loosened,clamping hammer will recede away from the seam due to gravitationalforces. The clamp body 102 is provided with a pair or cooperatingrecesses 160 that extend the longitudinal axis of the clamp body 102 andhave a general configuration in cross-section of a parallelogram. A slot161 is provided within each of the side walls 24 of the interior region16 to provide an opening between the clamp interior region 16 and therecesses 160. A clamping hammer 162 is disposed within each recess 160.The clamping hammer 162 comprises a head portion 166, neck 168 and endportion 170. The opposite ends of the clamp body may be staked or pinnedto prevent the clamping hammer from sliding out of the clamp body.

In operation, when the adjustment screws are turned clockwise, it movesinwardly and impinges upon the end portion 170 of the clamping hammer162. This causes the clamping hammer to slide perpendicular toward thestanding seam to clamp the same. To loosen the clamp, the adjustmentscrews 118 are turned counterclockwise whereby the clamps slide awayfrom the standing seam under the force of gravity. FIG. 21 illustratesan embodiment whereby the clamp body 102 may be machined to provide aupper recess so as to accommodate a standing seam having a greaterheight. Clamp body 102 may be manufactured by extrusion, casting orinjection molding and the gravity-type clamping hammers 162 may bemanufactured in a variety of sizes and lengths and from a number ofmaterials, including, but not limited to, metal, elastomeric rubber,DELRIN or other thermoplastics having high stiffness, high or lowfriction and excellent dimensional stability.

FIG. 23 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention shown inFIGS. 21 and 22. In this embodiment, the slot associated with therecesses 160 is removed and the entire inward face of the recess 160 isopened to receive a clamping hammer 162 having an expanded neck portion174 that generally occupies the entire recess 160. A head portion 166 isalso provided to engage against a standing seam.

FIGS. 24 and 25 disclose alternative embodiments of the invention shownin FIGS. 21 through 23. FIG. 24 discloses a clamp body that combines agravity type clamping hammer 162 as set forth in FIG. 22 in combinationwith a clamping hammer 28 as disclosed in FIG. 2. A second adjustmentscrew is not provided for hammer 28. FIG. 25 discloses a clamp body thatcombines a gravity type clamping hammer 162 as set forth in FIG. 23 incombination with a clamping hammer 28 as set forth in FIG. 2. A secondadjustment screw (not shown) may be provided for hammer 28.

FIG. 26 discloses another embodiment of the present invention thatincludes detent type hammers or blocks instead of pivoting or gravityhammers. A cooperating pair of hammers or blocks 176 is shown retainedwithin a generally C-shaped recess or cavity forming the interior regionof the clamp body 102. The detent type hammer or block 176 may bemanufactured by extrusion, casting or injection molding and in a varietyof sizes and lengths and from a number of materials, including, but notlimited to, metal, elastomeric rubber, DELRIN or other thermoplasticshaving high stiffness, higher or low friction and excellent dimensionalstability. Adjustment screws 118 extending transverse to thelongitudinal axis of the block are rotated and contact block 176 to urgeit inwardly against a standing steam clamp (not shown). Once both blockshave adjusted against a standing seam clamp, pair of locking members 178shown to be screws or detents are engaged to force a downward pressureagainst the aligned block thereby locking it into place. It is withinthe present invention to provide a groove in block 176 that is alignedperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hinge groove 34 forreceiving the locking member 178. This assists in retaining the blockwithin the clamp body and preventing it from falling out until clampedagainst the seam.

FIG. 27A discloses a further embodiment whereby a single elongatedshaped block 176 is provided to engage against an L-shaped standing seam(not shown). FIG. 27B discloses another embodiment whereby a singleelongated shaped block 176 is provided to engage against a verticalstanding seam having no head portion (not shown). The clamp body 102 isnot provided with a single L-shaped leg member 180 with the opposite legmember 182 shown to be generally planar.

FIGS. 28A and 28B are directed to a further embodiment of the presentinvention whereby the clamp body is spring loaded to retain a detentblock within the interior region of the clamp body. FIG. 28A discloses adetent block that has been shaped at the top and bottom regions to allowit to pivot inwardly when engaged by an adjustment screw 118. As can beseen, the bottom edges 184 of detent block 176 is tapered inwardly toprovide a pivot point at the bottom of the block. The upper portion ofthe detent block 176 is provided with a through-hole 186 through which aretaining rod 188 is inserted, the rod being secured at both ends to thesides of the clamp body. A rod is threaded through a spring member 190and is sized within the interior of the clamp body such that it willurge the detent block 176 into an open position as shown in FIG. 28A. Aclamping hammer 28 is provided opposite the detent block. As best shownin FIG. 28B, when the adjustment screw 118 is rotated clockwise, it iscaused to impinge against the detent block 176 and cause it to pivotinwardly against the force of the spring to engage a standing seam (notshown). The spring ensures the block will always return to a openposition away from the standing seam when the adjustment screws areunscrewed and be prevented from falling out of the clamp body. A lockingscrew as shown in FIG. 26 may be provided to lock the clamp into placeafter engaging a standing seam.

FIG. 29A is another embodiment of the present invention and discloseshinged pivoting hammers 190 that operate in the manner as disclosedearlier but the hammers slide in the ends of the clamp. The head portion192 of each hammer is custom shaped to match and engage the contours ofthe standing seam SS. FIG. 29B is an alternative embodiment thatprovides a non-hinged detent block 194 the interior surface of which iscustom shaped to match and engage the contours of the standing seam SS.A pair of locking screws is also provided.

FIGS. 35 through 38 disclose an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention. Turning to FIG. 35, a washer and rivot 196 is provided toretain a fastener 198 in place and prior to actuation of the adjustmentscrew 118. The fastener 198 is provided with a T-shaped recess adaptedto receive the washer and rivot 196. Fastener 198 is made with enoughtolerance within the T-shaped recess so as to allow it to pivot aboutthe washer. This enable fastener 198 to adapt to seams that may be outof plane or otherwise be slightly angled along the longitudinal axis.The range of pivot of fastener 198 compensates for slight variations inthe plane of the seam by matching the slight angular differences. It isfurther noted that a gasket of other type of device may be applied tothe fastener 198 to create a better contact surface having higher shear.FIG. 36 illustrates the entire clamp assembly for this embodiment. Allof the adjustment screws 188 are rotated inwardly to align the washerand rivot 196 so that the fastener 198 can be slid over each of thewashers to align it within the interior of the clamp body. As best seenin FIG. 37, the adjustment screws 118 are further rotated to urge thefaster against the head of a standing seam SS to clamp the same. In thealternative, the washer and rivot 196 may be replaced with a freelyspinning nut member to secure the washer to the end of the screw member118. FIG. 38 illustrates a further embodiment where the clamping hammeris replaced with a gasket 56 which is received within a keyway track forreceiving a male keyway portion of the gasket. Clamp body 102 may bemanufactured by extrusion, casting or injection molding and the fastener198 may be manufactured in a variety of sizes and lengths and from anumber of materials, including, but not limited to metal, elastomericrubber, DELRIN or other thermoplastics having high stiffness, high orlow friction and excellent dimensional stability and as noted earlier.

FIGS. 30 through 34B disclose another embodiment of the presentinvention and in particular a tool application for using a springloading the clamp member. FIGS. 30 and 31 illustrate the tool member 200shown to comprise a generally U-shaped member provided with a fingerhole 202. As best shown in FIG. 33, the tool 200 is adapted to be slidover a standing seam SS to be clamped. FIG. 32 illustrates the clampembodiment shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B but having the clamping hammersloaded using a pair of spring member 204 with the use of adjustmentscrew 118 (not shown) to tightly clamp the hammers against a seam. It iswithin the scope of the present invention to not employ adjustmentscrews if the specific application does not require them. After thestanding seam is covered by the tool 200, the user slides the clampassembly CA over the top of the tool 200 and as best shown in FIG. 34Awhich in turn causes the spring loaded hammers to be pushed out of theway and into an open position so that the standing seam can be receivedwithin the interior region of the clamp. Once the clamp is in place, theuser will pull the tool 200 from the interior of the clamp by graspingthe finger hole 202. As shown in FIG. 34B, the spring loaded hammers areurged into engagement against the sides of the standing seam to clampthe same.

FIG. 39 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention whereinthe body 102 of the clamping assembly CA is provided with a pair ofnotches that extend along the longitudinal axis of the clamp body so asto receive a clamping hammer 201 that is provided with a hook member atone end which is received within a notch and is adapted to pivotinwardly or outwardly under action of the adjustment screw 118.

It is within the scope of the present invention to vary the use ofadjustment and locking screws depending upon the end use of the clamp.In some situations a locking screw may not be necessary and the force ofthe adjustment screw is sufficient to lock the clamp onto the seam. Theuse of multiple locking screws has been seen to reduce any vibration ofthe clamp due to conditions during use. As is apparent, in allembodiments the clamp body 102 and all components of the assembly may bemanufactured by extrusion, casting or injection molding and the variousclamp components may be manufactured in a variety of sizes and lengthsand from a number of materials, including, but not limited to metal,elastomeric rubber, DELRIN or other thermoplastics having highstiffness, high or low friction and excellent dimensional stability andas noted earlier. The clamp body and all components forming the clampassembly may be machined and milled as required in order to adapt it toits specific end use. The embodiments employing gaskets can be providedwith hinges and without employing adjustment screws. It is also withinthe scope of the present invention to interconnect two or more clampsthat are aligned parallel to each other with a bridge member secured ateach end to a separate clamp. The bridge member may be constructed fromany suitable material including, but not limited to, aluminum, stainlesssteel, etc. The bridge member would allow for the optional attachment ofrooftop assembly devices such as fall protection structure, gutters,etc.

While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, itis understood that it is capable of further modifications, uses andadaptations, both in whole and in part, while following the generalprinciple of the invention and including such departures from thepresent disclosure as is known or customary practice in the art to whichthis invention pertains, and as may be applied to the central featuresof this invention.

I claim:
 1. A clamping assembly comprising: a) a clamp body, the clampbody comprising first and second clamp portions the first and secondclamp portions are adjustably interconnected to form a generallyU-shaped clamp body of variable width; b) at least one clamping hammerdisposed interior of the clamp body, the clamping hammer being hingedlysecured to the clamp body along the longitudinal axis of the clamp body;c) at least one adjustment screw extending through the clamp body andadapted to selectively impinge against the clamping hammer so as tocause it to pivot about its axis, the adjustment screw extendingtransverse to the longitudinal axis of the clamping hammer; and d) atleast one locking screw adapted to selectively impinge against theclamping hammer to prevent pivoting of the same whereby a standing seamor other structure received within the clamp body may be tightly graspedbetween the clamp body and the clamping hammer under action of theadjustment screw and then locked into place by the locking screw.